Mod Podge Coaster Craft on a Budget

This coaster craft is one of the easiest Mod Podge projects that you can do – and this method works for all types of coasters, including wood and tile.

I'm always perusing those bins at the front of Target where things are $1 – and I know I'm not the only one. I can spend $50 easily at “Tar-jhay,” just from shopping those bins. How about you?

So awhile back I found coasters in those bins, and decided that I needed some coasters for my place . . . but I didn't like the pattern that the coasters came with (I don't use hairspray, but I do drink coffee! You'll see what that means in a minute).

You can use this method to decorate coasters with wood or tile or thick cardboard coasters like mine – it works with them all. I hope you enjoy my coaster craft.

Whatever machine made these coasters put a plastic-y coating on the top of them. I sanded it off so that the paper and Mod Podge would stick better. If you use wood, do the same. If you use tile, try to get the tiles without the clear coat on the top.

Trace your coasters with the pencil directly onto the paper and cut just inside the line.

Add a medium layer of Mod Podge to the coaster and then lay the paper down and smooth, smooth, smooth. Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are removed and let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

You don't have to use Outdoor Mod Podge. The reason I did is because my coasters are thick cardboard and I wanted them to be more protected. We're going to waterproof the coasters in this tutorial, so if you are using wood or tile, you can use regular Mod Podge (or your favorite formula).

At this point dipped a paper towel into some green alcohol ink and darkened the edges to give my coasters a little flair. It's up to you. You can paint on them now or add additional papers on the top too!

Once the coasters were dry, I rounded the edges using the scissors – then I painted a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper. Let dry and give another coat.

To finish your coaster craft (if you didn't use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge) you must add a brush-on waterproof sealer (or spray, but I find the brush-on works best for coasters).

That way drinks that sweat won't make the coasters stick to your glass. Then you're done! Coasters for $1? Yes, please.

If you like this decoupage coaster craft, here are some other options you should check out!

I am thinking of making coasters out of printed photos on a cork base but when using mod podge the ink lifts or smudges please can you advise a method to over come this. Is a waterproof sealer a must? or can I just use the mod podge?